The secret places pests are hiding in your home

(BPT) - Pests can be hiding just about everywhere — whether you can see them or not. When you know where to look, there are preventative measures you can take to help avoid a pest infestation problem in your home. Terminix shares details on the unexpected, “secret” places pests can be hiding.

Sinks and drains

One often overlooked area is the kitchen sink. When not properly sanitized, drains can become a breeding ground for pests like cockroaches, drain beetles and fruit flies. Cockroaches are one of the more common pests found in drains as they can access pipes when pushed up from sewers. Cockroaches survive in drains by feeding on available organic matter like grease, food waste and hair.

Other drain-breeding pests include drain flies, which resemble tiny moths, and fruit flies. Drain flies breed in residue found in drains. Fruit flies are attracted to garbage residue found in drains, which can contain damp, organic matter in which to lay eggs, and is a good food source to feed young larvae. Use smaller drain mesh and drain cleaner to create a less appealing environment for drain flies and fruit flies.

Ceiling light fixtures

Bugs see UV lighting more clearly than humans, making ceiling light fixtures a common place to find insects. Flies, beetles, cockroaches and wasps are attracted to the warmth and light, which, unfortunately for them, typically results in an early death.

Electrical outlets

One of the most unexpected places pests hide is inside your electrical outlets. Ants, beetles and bed bugs have been known to hide in electrical outlets and the voids behind the outlet plate. A pest control technician may use a dry residual dust product to reduce any bugs that could be residing there. If bed bugs are found in electrical outlets, it is likely there are more in other parts of the room or home, so call a professional to schedule a full home inspection.

The kitchen pantry

Equally likely to welcome uninvited guests is your kitchen pantry and cupboards. Pantry pests can include moths, weevils, beetles and mice, all of which are attracted to food stored in the kitchen. Pantry pests can quickly contaminate batches of cooking and baking ingredients, such as flour, grains, spices and pricey nuts and dried fruits. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep them out of your cabinets, including examining all packaging for damage; avoiding storing food in original cardboard and paper packaging and instead choosing airtight containers with sealing lids; buying smaller quantities of products and using them before expiration; consistently organizing and cleaning your pantry; and throwing away all contaminated food. For even more information on secret places pests may be hiding in your home, go to Terminix.com.